Use and Care Manual

SASH/PANEL INSPECTION
Inspect sash or patio door panel annually (monthly for coastal areas). If
the window has a removable sash, it may be helpful to remove it before
inspection.
• Inspect optional opening control devices for proper operation.
Contact us if not operating properly.
• Inspect stiles and rails for damage (cracks or splits in vinylsurfaces).
• Check glass for cracks. If cracked, call your local glass supplier
forreplacement.
• For insulating glass units, look for moisture or fogging between
glass panes (most likely to occur on cold mornings). This may be an
indication of seal failure. Call us for recommendations.
WEATHERSTRIP
Inspecting and maintaining weatherstrip can help avoid costly structural
damage from water leakage and energy loss due to air and/or water
infiltration. Replace weatherstrip that is missing, torn, cracked, brittle,
discolored, gummy, or that has no “bounce back” when pressed down.
Call us for replacement instructions.
Precautions
• We recommend denatured alcohol for non water-soluble cleaning.
Lacquer thinner may be used in small amounts, but only as directed.
Thoroughly rinse any vinyl surfaces that come into contact with
lacquer thinner. Other solvents such as mineral spirits or petroleum-
based products may damage or dissolveweatherstrip.
• When using alcohol, always test small area first to avoid
productdamage.
• Do not use anything sharp near weatherstrip.
Light Cleaning
1. Clean with damp cloth or mild soap and water.
2. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3. Repeat if necessary.
Non Water-Soluble Cleaning
Clean with denatured alcohol on soft cloth. If denatured alcohol doesn’t
work:
1. Clean with small amount lacquer thinner on soft cloth.
2. Repeat if necessary.
3. Clean with mild soap and water, then rinse. If unsuccessful, consider
replacing weatherstrip.
Repair
If weatherstrip is loose or falling out of the kerf:
1. Carefully remove weatherstrip.
2. Apply thin bead of silicone sealant into kerf.
3. Reinstall weatherstrip.
4. Hold in place with tape for 24 hours.
5. Carefully remove tape.
GUTTERS AND OVERHANGS
Gutters and overhangs protect windows and patio doors from excess
water exposure. Clear at least once per year.
WEEP SYSTEM
Vinyl windows and patio doors
are not subject to moisture
damage; however, damage
could develop in the structure
around the unit if water does
not drain properly from the sill
area to theexterior.
Interior weep holes are usually
a rectangular or round hole
cut in the vinyl in the bottom of the sill track or in the face of a vertical
member of the sill near the bottom. Weep holes may be covered by a sill
insert or roller track. Access to these weep holes may require removal of
the sash or panel and then removal of the snapped in sill insert or roller
track. Sash/panel removal can be awkward, see the appropriate product
guide at www.jeld-wen.com/resources for safety recommendations and
the proper procedure for removing the sash orpanel.
Exterior weep holes are usually
a round or rectangular hole
cut in the exterior face of the
vinyl sill. These may have a
small flap or baffle covering
the hole.
1. Regularly clean sill track
with vacuum or wipe
thoroughly with damp
cloth. Thoroughly remove
any blockage in the corners
and from the exterior weep
holes caused by caulking,
masonry or stucco products or a piece of trim.
2. Pour small amount of water (1 cup) into interior sill track. If water
does not drain quickly from the sill through the weep system, insert
a thin wire into weep hole to clear the blockage. When clearing
exterior weep holes, the passages through the inside of the frame
may be slightly offset to the left or right. Do not insert the wire
farther than necessary because the insulating glass unit may be
damaged. Call us if unsure. Repeat until water runs clear to the
exterior. If not successful, call a service technician.
EXTERIOR SIDING JOINT
A proper seal of the joint between the window and the exterior surface
of the structure will keep water and/or air from leaking into the house.
Inspect the sealant joint for:
• Cracks
• Voids
• Deteriorating areas (e.g. loss of adhesion)
Repair damaged sealant with a best quality sealant.
Note! Do not apply sealant to areas where installer or contractor
did not originally seal. Seek professional advice from an installer or
contractor if unsure.
When repairing a sealant joint, 100% silicone sealant is the
most durable, but it cannot be painted. Use 100% polyurethane
sealant if painted. Follow sealant manufacturer’s instructions for
properapplication.
BASIC INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE - CONTINUED
Bottom weep hole
Inside face weep hole
Interior sill track
Exterior
weep holes
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Vinyl Windows and Patio Doors (JCM002)
3